updated 10th October, 7.32pm
This week’s shocking events in Israel and Gaza have prompted an outpouring of support and grief from councils across Australia. Here is a roundup of the latest reaction.
Glen Eira (Victoria)
The Glen Eira City Council area in Melbourne is regarded as the city’s cultural home of the Jewish community.
The Mayor Cr Jim Magee said that Glen Eira stands with the Jewish community as we see the heartbreaking events in Israel.
Mayor Magee said the council will continue to strengthen its already strong ties with the Jewish community, and maintain a focus on creating a safe and inclusive community.
Woollahra (New South Wales)
Woollahra Council in Sydney resolved on Monday night that it would fly the Israeli flag outside its council chambers to demonstrate solidarity.
The majority of Sydney’s Jewish population resides in the eastern suburbs, constituting 16 per cent of Waverley’s population, and 14 per cent in Woollahra.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Woollahra mayor Richard Shields used his mayoral minute to condemn the attacks, and to request that the Israeli flag fly in addition to existing flags in solidarity with Israel.
Waverley (New South Wales)
The Mayor of Waverley in Sydney, Paula Masselos, has expressed her deep shock at the attacks on civilians in Israel, especially on the holy festival of Simchat Tora.
“It is devastating to learn of such tragic and unprovoked attacks on innocent people, and the loss of life is heartbreaking” Mayor Masselos said.
“My thoughts are with the community at this time, and I express my deepest condolences to families who have loved ones who have been killed, injured, displaced by this dreadful violence or who are missing.
Shoalhaven (New South Wales)
Shoalhaven Councillor Paul Ell moved an urgency motion at Monday night’s Ordinary Meeting for Council to stand in solidarity with Israel in the aftermath of the weekend’s terrorist attacks by Hamas.
The motion passed 9-2 with the support of Independent and Labor Councillors.
“We are all devastated about these attacks, and the loss of so many innocent lives, and our thoughts are with the people directly impacted. Our motion expresses Council’s support and sympathy for local residents of Israeli and Jewish heritage as they come to terms with these traumatic events.” Cr Ell said.
Toowoomba (Queensland)
Key Toowoomba city landmarks have been lit up this week in solidarity with Israel following the deadly weekend attacks by Hamas in Gaza.
Toowoomba City Hall, the Victoria Street Bridge and City Hall’s Annex are illuminated in blue in what Mayor Geoff McDonald said was a show of support to Israel and the Jewish community.
Mayor McDonald said, “In time the council will explore other ways to support the Israeli community, particularly those in Toowoomba who have family back home who may have been impacted.”
The same Toowoomba City landmarks were recently lit up in support of Ukraine following the Russian invasion.